Health and Mindfulness

How often do you feel burnt out when you think about your daily health routine? That is not conducive to long term health in my opinion. After more than a decade of being avidly involved in the health and fitness world, it is one of my greatest struggles. This brings me to the topic of mindfulness. This does not necessarily mean the classic version of meditation though. Mindfulness to me simply means being aware. This past week, I was feeling very burnt out as I had been doing the same run for two weeks. I decided to walk it instead.

As I walked, I focused on how my muscles propelled me forward and how they contracted with each step. I took deep breaths and stretched as I walked. Before I knew it, I had my completed my loop and wanted to keep going. I was relaxed and energized. This is the power of mindfulness. With so many thing fighting for our attention, sometimes, the biggest obstacle is focusing on observing and enjoying what is right in front of you. If you get specific enough in your focus, the simplest things, such as feeling your calf muscles contract as you step, can bring new life to the the every day experience. I encourage you to try it.

Yours in health,

-Alex

My Story to Health

This is my story and background of why I am so fanatical about my health including my desire to share some of the secrets I have learned over more than a decade of being heavily involved in the fitness community. I truly hope my future content gives you the resources to make positive changes in your life.

My journey was not fun until I hit my mid twenties. I was so lost during my time in high school and college. All I wanted was to be accepted and I never spent any time figuring out what I actually wanted to do with my life. I have always had an energy and optimism that seems out of place in todays world but it has never left me, even through periods of massive anxiety and some depression. My desire for an exciting and fulfilled life continues to hold on to me. The more I dedicated myself to improving my health and learning about who I was, the more things seemed to start falling in place.

Shortly in to my second year in college, I made the firm decision to live a healthier life. I began taking raw broccoli and almonds everywhere with me and working on mobility during class. This not only physically helped but also maintained a mindset of discipline. Making sure I always had healthy options available was really a turning point for me. Even though I did not always eat perfectly, it was a constant reminded that I had something healthy and if I did break, there was no excuse for it.

What made health a lifelong thing for me was really becoming involved in the community. They say you are the sum of the 5 people you spend the most time with so if you want to be healthy, hang out with people who have similar goals. The community I built is what keeps me consistent in my habits to this day. While everybody has a unique story and starting place, I think these are good principles to consider. Thank you for reading.

Yours in Health

-Alex

Where Health Begins

Health begins with a decision. The commitment to follow through, in my opinion, is the most important part of any fitness and health journey. There will be rough times and it will require a tremendous amount of discipline. Start by setting goals and tying emotions to how you will feel when you accomplish those goals. While the starting point will look different for everyone, focus on the next right action. Maybe instead of an alcoholic drink and watching tv, it is a cup of tea and a walk. Almost every single person has a good idea of what being healthier looks like. That starting point is simply making a committed decision to change and then define exactly what that looks like for you individually.

Here are a few quick things someone who is just beginning their journey can do. 1) Take a good look at yourself and know you can. 2) Cut out sugary soda and fast food. Most people know this one. 3) Keep a lacrosse or golf ball by the side of your bed and roll out the bottom of your feet before bed and when you get up. Light pressure just enough to massage the tissue which will help your entire body recover while sleeping and function better during the day. 4) Practice meditation. This can be as simple as going for a walk and observing your surroundings or sitting quietly and focusing on breathing in and out. 5) Put reminders around you to remind yourself constantly of your goals and help you make better decisions throughout the day.

Lets do this together! -Alex

A Changing World

Gratitude. It is how we should start and end each day and a state in which we should strive to be the majority of the time. I am thankful for all of the doctors and front line workers who are at high risk to serve and provide essential services. These are unsettling and uncertain times for all of us. I think the toughest choice we have to make is whether we are going to deny it and try to hide until it is all over or accept it and make the commitment to move forward as best we can. I personally choose the latter and am committed to making the best of the situation.

It is crucial in times like these that we focus on getting through it and making the best of it, not spending all out time in fear. Remember, we are all in this together. Be considerate and take care of those who are at high risk. Spend some time focusing on healthy habits and recovery, especially from stress. Mentally, focus on taking deep breaths and finding things to be grateful for. Physically, making sure exercise, staying hydrated, and making sure you are getting the proper nutrients.

Talk with close friends and family and just keep making the best of each day. Learn new skills, plan some things for when this is all over, and focus on the things that matter most.

Love you all,

-Alex

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